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What does it take to be an ICT teacher?
By Peter Gabriel L. Garrido
Teacher I, Misamis Occidental National High School
Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental
To be an ICT teacher is not easy. One has to be tech-savvy, willing to learn new skills, and have the ability to effectively teach students technology concepts and skills. Moreover, an ICT teacher must also be able to teach students the values they need in order to maximize the benefits of technology for the improvement of the society.
The ICT field is dynamic and whatever skill or tool we use now may be replaced by a better technique or device anytime soon. Thus an ICT teacher should not rely on only one source of information. He/she must constantly search books, magazines, and the Internet for new information on ICT. An ICT teacher should also be persistent in learning new teaching methods and using ICT tools in the class. Teachers, even those who are not teaching ICT subjects, are highly encouraged to participate in ICT-related training programs so they can further enhance their skills and be able to catch up with the fast-paced world of computers and Web.
An ICT teacher must also be willing to learn from his/her students. More often than not, our students spend more time playing games on the computer or watching videos on the Web than we do. They learn fast and can quickly adapt to technology. To have a more effective and productive discussion, an ICT teacher can encourage students to share their ICT techniques or tips, and help in mentoring their classmates. This way, an ICT teacher also gets the support of the students in propagating the ICT awareness in the school.
As an ICT teacher in Misamis Occidental National High School (MONHS), I am very fortunate that I get the proper support and inspiration from our principal and my co-teachers as well. Our school principal Mr. Florentino R. Santos Jr. is very supportive of the teachers. He mandates all teachers to get ICT trainings and incorporate ICT in their lessons. I also get inspiration and counsel from my co-teachers, Mrs. Vivian D. Echalico, Mr. Rufino Caupayan, Mrs. Lorean Macoy, Mr. Dionesio Liwagon, Mrs. Emma Batoy. All of them were former ICT teachers who were successful in developing the ICT skills of MONHS students. They were able to boost ICT education in our school.
To be an ICT teacher is not an easy task, but it is indeed a fulfilling job. Truly, there is nothing more fulfilling for an ICT teacher than to see his/her students using their ICT skills and talents to be the best in their chosen fields, and to make a difference in people’s lives.
(Published 01 March 2010, Smart Communications Inc.)
